The Houston Art Fair is one of the country’s biggest fair and features modern and contemporary art in a variety of media. It is taking place this week from Thursday September 29 through Sunday October 2, 2016 at Silver Street Event Space. Now under the direction of Urban Expositions, this year’s event will showcase more than thirty galleries featuring works from emerging and established artists, exclusive VIP home tours, panel discussions and food and drink options from local area vendors. Tickets are still available and may be purchased online. Prices are $20 for general admission ($25 at the door), $75 for two tickets which includes return admission all weekend and $100 for two tickets which includes return admission all weekend. Event hours are Thursday from 6p.m. to 10p.m., Friday and Saturday from 11a.m. to 7p.m. and Sunday from 11a.m. to 6p.m. VIP ticket holders can take advantage of early admission Friday and Saturday from 10a.m. to 11a.m. (Houston Art Fair, 2016)

Houston Art Fair kicks off on Thursday with and opening night preview benefitting FotoFest International. FotoFest is an international non-profit photographic arts and education organization and will be presenting a video installation on the show floor. Executive Director Steven Evans will lead a panel discussion at the Houston Art Fair Lecture Series and there will also be a tour of the facility. Local artist collective Alabama Song will have a unique installation at the entrance to the fair. Some of the exhibitors for this fair include Blue Rain Gallery from Santa Fe, New Mexico, Deborah Colton Gallery from Houston, Texas, Fernando Luis Alvarez Gallery from Stamford, Connecticut and Palette Contemporary Art and Craft from Albuquerque, New Mexico.

Silver Street Studios
2000 Edwards Street
Houston, TX 77007

Sunday September 25 is the next SíClovía from 10a.m. to 3p.m. along Broadway Street. SíClovía is San Antonio’s version of CiClovía, an event that originated in Bógota, Columbia more than 30 years ago.  It is a free event that involves making a section of downtown streets available for residents to walk, run, ride a bicycle or do anything that gets them moving and therefore physically active.  The streets become temporarily car free five hours and the route will connect city parks with many Reclovía areas along the way where people can join in activities such as exercise classes and other activities for children. Water will be available at every Reclovía and there will be beverages for sale along the way. Pets are welcome but must be on a leash and owners need to pick up after them.

There will also be a 5K Run and a 5K Walk along with other activities.  Early bird entry fees are $25 for the walk/run and $10 for ages 14 and under.  Those who wish to participate can still do so by registering the day of the race for $30 from 6a.m. to 7:45a.m. at the race site.  Packets may be picked up at the YMCA at TriPoint on St Mary’s Street or at the race site from 7a.m. to 7:55a.m.  Awards will be given to the top two male and female in each age group and top two male and female overall and masters.  They will be handed out immediately after the race in Alamo Plaza.  Age groups include 14 and under, 15 – 19, 20-69 in ten year increments and 70 plus.

There are plenty of excellent shows coming up at Sam’s Burger Joint but one of them stands out because the musician is from Texas. Jesse Dayton is a country-blues-punk guitarist from Beaumont and he will be performing next Thursday September 22, 2016. Tickets to the show start at $15 and may be purchased online. Doors open at 7p.m. and the show begins at 8p.m. The Texas guitarist and singer/songwriter is also releasing his new album The Revealer on September 16 through his new record deal with Blue Elan Records. (Mad Ink PR, 2016)

Jesse Dayton has been building a cult following with his guitar shredding, country-infused Americana sound. His first record through Justice Records, Raisin’ Cain, was released in 1995 and gained critical acclaim. This led to him being hired to play lead guitar by country legends Waylon Jennings, Ray Price, Johnny Bush, Willie Nelson and Glen Campbell. He formed his own label in 2002 and has also acted in movies and music videos and produced several records for other artists. He has written two screenplays and wrote and directed “Zombex,” a new horror movie starring Malcolm McDowell. Currently on tour with X’s John Doe, he will do several solo shows before heading out with the Supersuckers and The Reverend Peyton’s Big Damn Band on a US tour.

Sam’s Burger Joint
330 E Grayson St
San Antonio, TX 78215
(210) 223-2830

Now playing at the Majestic Theatre is ‘The Sound of Music’ and last night’s opening performance played to a full house. The show is the story of Maria, a postulant who is sent to work as a governess to a large family when she begins to second guess her decision to become a nun. Eventually she falls in love with the children and their widowed father Captain von Trapp. The Captain opposes the Nazis so when he is ordered to accept a commission in the German navy he and Maria flee Austria with the children.

The action begins at the Nonnberg Abbey as the nuns perform ‘Preludium’ and transitions smoothly into one of the audience’s favorite scene that includes Maria singing ‘The Sound of Music.’ As soon as the von Trapp children enter the stage they captivate the audience, especially Gretl, the youngest. Melody Betts, who portrays Mother Abbes, closes out the first act with her amazing rendition of ‘Climb Ev’ry Mountain.’ Kerstin Anderson and Ben Davis work well together as Maria and Captain von Trapp and their chemistry makes the show work. Highlights include Maria and the children’s ‘Do-Re-Mi’ and Maria and Mother Abess’ ‘My Favorite Things.’ This family friendly musical appeals to both fans of the show as well as newcomers and is a must see.

‘The Sound of Music’ runs until Sunday September 18, 2016. Upcoming performances are Thursday at 7:30p.m., Friday at 8p.m., Saturday at 2p.m. and 8p.m. and Sunday at 7:30p.m. Tickets start at $30 and are available online, by phone at (800) 982-ARTS (2787) and at all Ticketmaster outlets including the Majestic Theatre box office.

Majestic Theatre
224 E Houston St
San Antonio, TX 78205
(210) 226-5700

Nao Latin Gastro Bar at the Pearl is a student-staffed restaurant at the Culinary Institute of America. Their menu features Latin American dishes rooted in tradition but reinvented using a variety of ingredients and techniques. The menu features seasonal, progressive Latin food. ‘Martes es Fiesta’ continues this month at Nao Latin Gastro Bar with unique weekly dinner specials. These dinners are from 5:30p.m. to 9p.m. and will pay homage to different Latin American regions. They consist of one to two rustic, iconic dishes served family style to provide the true experience of Latin cuisine and service. Past dinners have included the Caribbean and the Andes Region including Ecuador and Colombia. This month the specialty dinners will be from Mexico.

On Tuesday September 13 guests will be able to enjoy Chile Relleno de Carne de Res – ancho peppers stuffed with beer-braised beef and accompanied by shaved cucumber salad and black bean puree. On Tuesday September 20 the dinner will be Tamales de Puerco en Salsa Roja – tamales filled with chile-braised pork and accompanied by napa cabbage slaw with jicama and herbs. Finally, on Tuesday September 27 it will be Pavo en Mole Poblano – roasted turkey in Pueblan mole accompanied by avocado, tomato and pumpkin seed salad and local corn tortillas. Future dinners will consist of El Sur, including Uruguay, Argentina and Chile in October and Central America in November.

Nao – Latin Gastro Bar
312 Pearl Parkway
San Antonio, TX 78215
(210) 554-6484

Orange is the color of hunger awareness and for the month of September North Star Mall is taking part in the San Antonio Food Bank’s SA Goes Orange for Hunger campaign. They are hosting the 11th annual CANstruction® design/build competition that started today and runs until Sunday September 25, 2016. This competition is part of an international campaign to raise awareness and funds for hunger relief. With many in Southwest Texans at risk of going hungry the San Antonio Food Bank is the major supplier of food for the hungry in the area. (North Star Mall, 2016)

Sunday is build day, when ten teams representing the San Antonio chapters of The American Institute of Architects and the Society for Design Administration will be given twelve hours to assemble their sculptures using approximately 30,000 cans of food. Teams will include architects, engineers and contractors from Alamo Architects & Turner Construction, Open Studio Architecture & DBR Engineering Consultants and others as well as students from San Antonio College’s AIAS Chapter. On Monday September 12 the sculptures will be judged by industry professionals and special guests at the CANopener awards ceremony. Categories will include Structural Ingenuity, Best Use of Labels, Best Meal, Juror’s Favorite, Best Use of the Color Orange and two Honorable Mentions. The sculptures will remain on display until September 25 and then donated to the San Antonio Food Bank at the end of the competition. In the last ten years, the competition has donated more than 425,000 pounds of food for families in need.

North Star Mall
744 San Pedro Ave
San Antonio, TX 78216
(210) 340-6627

Brenda’s Creations is an art studio located in the Little Shops at Wonderland of the America’s mall on Fredericksburg Rd.  Aside from being an art studio, the proprietor, Brenda, provides art lessons and painting parties.  The painting parties can be for birthdays, showers, office parties or just a time to get together with friends.  There are also monthly themed public painting parties where anyone can attend for a $25 fee with locations subject to change.  Brenda provides all the supplies and all guests have to do is show up, relax and have fun.

Last night’s September painting party was held at Wonderland Mall and it had a fall theme. The group in attendance was small and that provided those in attendance with the extra attention.  Everything was set up as a classroom layout with the teacher’s easel at the front stage with an overhead light to highlight the work in progress.  The atmosphere was light and relaxed and there was little pressure to do a perfect painting.  Fall props, including plastic flowers and leaves were scattered around the table for guests to create their own scenery to paint.  Brenda guided them in a step by step demonstration of each stage of a painting including the first layer that covers the canvas completely to get rid of all the white and create a base.  From there the basic shapes are painted then those shapes are completed with shades, highlights and shadows.  The finished product was different for everyone since, this being art, it is open to the individual’s interpretation.

Overall, the night’s experience was relaxed and entertaining.  As a teacher, Brenda is approachable and patient with those who have little to no painting experience.  She is not patronizing or in any way intimidating and that makes it easy to ask questions or ask for help.  This is an excellent way to get some art therapy and interact with others who have the same interests.  Next month being October the theme is going to be a Halloween based painting and should be interesting.  The details will be posted at the studio and around Wonderland Mall.

Starting tomorrow Saturday September 10 Botika will now be serving lunch on Saturdays only from 11:30a.m. to 2p.m. followed by happy hour from 2p.m. to 5p.m. New lunch hours will be announced at a later time. The lunch menu is seasonal and includes different specials each Saturday. (Botika, 2016)

Appetizers
Bon Lai Salad ($7) – Cucumber, green papaya, carrots, lime, toasted nuts, Thai basil, mint
Solterito ($7) – Fava beans, choclo, fresh cheese, rocoto dressing, parsley, red onion
Tuna Roll Acevichado ($11) – Nori, tuna salad, cucumber, avocado, crispy noodles, Nikkei tiger’s milk dipping sauce
Ceviche Carretillero ($11) – Restaurant’s selection of seafood, bibb lettuce, choclo and potato causa
Chicken Ginger and Shitake Buns ($10) – Hoisin, green onion, mint, daikon, and carrot pickle
Chicken and Veggies Eggrolls ($7) – Rice glass noodles, ginger-citrus dipping sauce

Mains
Beef Yakitori Teriyaki ($11) – Over steamed rice, furikakke and sesame seeds
Tacu Tacu A Lo Pobre ($12) – Red beans and rice “cake,” pork katsu, fried egg, sweet plantain emulsion
Arroz Chaufa Verde ($10) – Crispy tofu, broccoli, bok choy, edamame, kale, green beans
Pulpo Al Olivo ($11) – Baby octopus, Botija olive mayonnaise, fried yucca, tomato and arugula salad
Huancaina Cream Noodles ($10) – Creamy Aji Amarillo sauce, parmesan, sweety drop peppers, sesame seeds salsa criolla

Sides
Steamed White Rice with furikakke ($5)
Vegetable Stir Fry with siyao sauce and peanuts ($7)

Sweets
Sorbets ($6) – chef selection of three Amazonian fruits house made sorbets, mocha rice cakes and ginger lace toile

Botika is one of the newest restaurants at the Pearl and it is described as a Peruvian-Asian restaurant. It features “Chifa,” Chinese-Peruvian and “Nikkei,” Japanese-Peruvian cuisines as well as new takes on traditional dishes from across Asia and Latin America. The bar offers classic cocktails and a wide variety of sakes, rums, piscos and cachaças. The layout includes a sushi-ceviche bar, a cocktail lounge and an outdoor dining space. Business hours are Monday through Thursday from 5p.m. to 10p.m., Friday and Saturday from 4p.m. to midnight Friday and Saturday late night from 11p.m. to 2a.m.

Botika
303 Pearl Pkwy #111
San Antonio, TX 78215
(210) 670-7684

The new season of The Classic Theatre is in full swing and it is off to a good start with ‘The House on Mango Street.’  It opened last Friday to a nearly full house and it is generating positive feedback.  Based on Sandra Cisneros’ book and adapted by Amy Ludwig it tells the story of Esperanza Cordero.  She is a Latina growing up in a rough neighborhood in Chicago and the play follows a year in her life told in flashbacks.  The young Esperanza (Bella Villarreal) and the adult version of herself (Gypsy Pantoja) narrate the story.

It opens as the Cordero family is excitedly moving into their new home. They are filled with expectations but find reality much harsher than they thought.  The house is small and run down and the door has to be pushed in order for it to open.  As she privately aches for a real house she introduces the different people in the neighborhood that make her life both interesting and heartbreaking.  This includes Lucy and Rachel, sisters from Texas, and Sally, who uses boys as an escape from her abusive father.  For every dark storyline there are joyous ones filled with child-like delight.  For example, when Esperanza and her friends go on a joyride on a bicycle they just bought and when she and her friends are learning how to walk on heels.

‘The House on Mango Street’ is a splendid combination of heart and humor and is proof that quality live theater is alive and well in San Antonio. The talented cast portrays several characters and effortlessly switches between them.  Gypsy Pantoja and Bella Villarreal are strong leads but Bella should be commended for a job well done even though on opening night she relied on her script cleverly disguised in a book.  The dramatic role is demanding but she delivers a strong performance.  It runs until Sunday September 25 at The Classic Theatre with show times on Friday and Saturday at 8p.m. and Sunday at 3p.m. Ticket prices are $25 for general admission, $20 for senior, military, educator or SATCO and $10 for students.  They may be purchased online or by calling the box office at (210) 589-8450.

Tony Cointreau was born into a life of wealth and privilege as a member of the French Cointreau liqueur family. He was surrounded by the rich and famous and he himself had his own successful singing career. Despite all this he felt he needed more out of life. Eventually his search led him to Calcutta and Mother Teresa after which he spent twelve years as a volunteer in her hospices in New York and Calcutta. He spent his days helping numerous people through the process of dying and she became a mentor and a dear friend. Today marks the release of his new book “A Gift of Love: Lessons Learned From My Work and Friendship with Mother Teresa” where he chronicles his experiences and lessons learned while caring for those who for one reason or another had no one and nowhere else to go.

In the Foreword, Tony Cointreau delves into what compelled him to do his volunteer work. It began in 1979 when he saw a magazine photograph of one of Mother Teresa’s volunteers carrying a dying man in his arms. It was not a religious calling but rather an urge he had to comfort those who were dying. His work took him deep into a world filled with drugs, poverty and crime during the worst of the AIDS crisis. When people heard about what he was doing they kept asking him for advice. They had someone in their life who was facing death and wanted to know what they could do for them in their last days. The book is divided into sixteen chapters with such titles as “Never Assume Anything,” “Doing Whatever You Have to Do” and “Unconditional Love.” The one that stands out the most is Chapter 7 “Helping Each Other” because in it the author writes about how everyday people have the ability to encourage others even while they themselves are facing their own crisis.

“A Gift of Love” by Tony Cointreau is a poignant account of one man’s courageous journey to help those facing their last days. Eventually everyone will have to either be a caregiver or know someone who is a caregiver or facing his or her last days. This may be a small book but it is filled with heartfelt stories and useful advice. The subject matter may be difficult but it pulls the reader in with the compassion that flows from its pages. It is an excellent read for anyone looking to gain perspective and empathy and especially recommended for caregivers and nurses. Now that Mother Teresa has been in the spotlight in the last few days this is the perfect book to read to learn about her work with the dying.

*Disclaimer: A copy of this book was given for an honest review. The opinions expressed in this article are solely the author’s.